Ray Henely

June 9, 2005

Ray Henely, 77, of Leisure Lake, Missouri, passed away on Monday, April 11, 2005, at the Wright Memorial Hospital, Trenton, Missouri.

Graveside services for Ray Henely were held on Saturday, June 4, at the St. John's Catholic Cemetery, Clarion.

Ray Henely, was born on March 3, 1928 in Clarion, the son of George and Madeline (Mathew) Henely. He attended and graduated from the Mason City High School and then entered the United States Army and served in Korea. After his honorable discharge he attended and graduated from the Mason City Junior College. He then attended and graduated from Iowa State University in Ames with a degree in Professional Engineering.

On August 30, 1952, Ray and Margaret Denker were married at Mason City. The couple moved to Red Oak where he was employed as the Resident Engineer with the Iowa Highway Commission, to Mason City where he was the Cerro Gordo County Engineer, to Sioux City where he was the Secondary Road Engineer and to Des Moines where he was Executive Director of the Associated General Contractors. In 1990 he became the Clark County Engineer at Osceola. He retired in 1993 and they moved to Leisure Lake, Missouri to make their home.

He was a member of the St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Trenton, Missouri.

Ray is survived by his wife, Margaret of Leisure Lake, Missouri; a son, John Henely of Norwalk; three daughters, Kathi Henely of Perry, Karen Person of Ottumwa and Ann Danley of Newton; and seven grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Richard and Robert Henely.
© Wright County Monitor 2005

Grace Marcella Sower

June 9, 2005

Grace Marcella Sower, 102, of Clarion, died on Sunday, April 24, 2005, at the USA Health Care Center in Clarion.

Graveside services were held on Saturday, June 4, at the Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion.

Grace Marcella Mathews, was born on September 21, 1902 in Eagle Grove, the daughter of Nellie Jane Riley and Boyd Mathews.

Grace's childhood was spent with her aunt and uncle, Mae and Charles Reeder of Clarion. She attended school in Clarion and Eagle Grove.

In 1927, Grace was united in marriage to George Sower. The couple resided in Long Beach, California. George was a sales person for Hart, Shaffner and Marx and Grace was a telephone operator for many years.

In 1992, Grace moved back to Clarion and resided at the USA Health Care Center.

Grace is survived by three nieces-in-law and many great-nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband; two brothers, Everett and Leo Mathews; and one sister, Madeline Ellen Mathews Henely.
© Wright County Monitor 2005

Roy T. Johnson

June 16, 2005

Roy T. Johnson. 84, of Dows, passed away on Tuesday, June 7, 2005, at the Wright Medical Center in Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Friday, June 10, at the Vernon Lutheran Church, rural Dows. Pastor Paul Thompson and Stan Watne officiated at the 1:30 p.m. service. Burial was in the Vernon Lutheran Cemetery, rural Dows.

Roy T. Johnson, was born on March 9, 1921 at rural Williams, the son of Ted and Hazel Greiner Johnson. He was one of four children.

Roy joined the United States Air Force on June 6, 1941. He spent three and one-half years with the Air Force in the South Pacific around New Caledonia and Guadal Canal. He then was sent to the base at San Antonio, Texas, where he was discharged in the fall of 1945.

On November 1, 1945, Roy and Annabel Patterson were united in marriage in San Antonio.

Roy owned and operated a custom corn shelling and trucking business for 40 years. He then started a construction business with Cats, a backhoe and dump trucks. He loved working around people and said he was never going to retire. When he wasn't working, he loved flying his airplane, fishing and playing music. His musical talents included playing instruments such as the mandolin, violin, accordion and organ. He could not read music, and played only by ear.

He was a member of the Vernon Lutheran Church, rural Dows, where he served on various committees. He also belonged to the American Legion in Dows, the Moose Lodge in Webster City and served on the Board of Review for Wright County.

Roy is survived by his wife, Annabel: a son, Jerry Johnson and wife, Debra of Galt; two grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; a sister, Amy Johnson Goodman of Perry: a brother, Earl Johnson and wife, Lorraine of Iowa Falls; sisters and brothers-in-law, Gene and June Paterson of Sweet Home, Opal Yoder of Woolstock, Jim and Gwen Anderson of Williams, Myron Patterson and wife, Donna of Webster City, Gene Cramer of Thor: and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; mother and father-in-law; a grandson, Michael Johnson; and a sister, Irene Cramer.
© Wright County Monitor 2005

Lenna Mae Shaw

June 23, 2005

Lenna Mae (Wright) Shaw, 79, of Clarion, died on Tuesday, June 14, 2005, at the USA Health Care Center. Graveside services will be held in the near future.

Lenna Mae Wright, was born on January 1, 1926 at Clarion, the daughter of William and Effie Wright.

Lenna is survived by her husband, Robert of Clarion; a daughter, Mary Oliver of Coarsegold, California; a son, Robin of Bayard, Iowa; three grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Lenna was preceded in death by her mother; father; two sisters; and two brothers.
© Wright County Monitor 2005

Deana Lorraine Stock

June 30, 2005

Deana Lorraine Young Stock, 57, of Modesto, California, died peacefully at her home after a lengthy illness.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, June 25, at the Trinity United Presbyterian Church in Modesto, California. Memorial donations may be made to the music program, First United Methodist Church, Clarion or the charity of your choice.

Deana Lorraine Young, was born on September 13, 1947 in Manchester, Iowa, the daughter of William (Bill) and Lorraine Young. She spent most of her youth in Clarion. She graduated from Iowa State University in Ames.

In 1969, she and Mitchell Stock were married. They lived in Lancaster, Pennsylvania; Nashville, Tennessee; Sunnyvale, California; and currently in Modesto, California.

She was devoted to community and youth activities. She received the PTA Lifetime Service Award, Sunnyvale School District Good Apple Award and Junior League Service Award. She served as Executive Director of Music for Minors for nine years, taught music in elementary schools, trained docents, and actively supported children's music programs and youth sports activities over the years.

After attending West Valley College and attaining her Certified Medical Transcriptionist Credential, she founded the Stock Medical Transcription business. She was the founder of the Heart of California Chapter of Medical Transcriptionists in 2000.

She was a member of Pi Beta Phi, the Del Rio 9-Tees, and the Trinity United Presbyterian Church.

She is survived by her husband, Mitchell Stock of Modesto, California; three sons, Greg and his wife, Stacy, Steve and his wife, Tiffany and Dan and his wife, Nicole, all of Santa Clara, California; five granddaughters; mother, Lorraine Young of Clarion; two brothers, Bill Young and his wife, Nancy of Ankeny and Bud Young and his wife, Bonnie of Clarion.

Deana was preceded in death by her father, William E. Young.
© Wright County Monitor 2005

Maurice Ray Harson

June 30, 2005

Maurice Ray Harson, 90, of Clarion, passed away on Friday, June 24, 2005, at the Wright Medical Center, Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Monday, June 27, at the United Methodist Church in Clarion, with burial in the Galt Cemetery.

Maurice Ray Harson, was born on November 21, 1914 in Rowan, the son of Ray and Zelda (Stuck) Harson. He was raised and educated in Rowan, graduating from the Rowan High School in 1933.

On March 10, 1939, Maurice was united in marriage to Adella Lindsay in Grant Township. To this union a son was born.

The family farmed for six years before moving to Clarion in 1948. He then built grain elevators in Iowa, Nebraska and Illinois for Klinger, Younglove Construction. After that he installed grain dryers until he retired in 1972.

His passion was gardening and coin collecting. He was a member of the Clarion Coin Club for over 20 years, serving as an officer, club secretary and treasurer. Maurice was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Clarion.

Maurice is survived by his wife of 66 years, Adella of Clarion; a son, Allen and wife, Sue of Holmes; a granddaughter, Stacey Rodgers and husband, Scott of Holmes; two sisters, Hazel Jenison of Kingsland, Texas and Lois Pals and husband, Else of Alexander; one brother, E. J. "Bill" Harson and wife, Arlene of Kanawha; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Joel Ray Harson, age 2; one sister, Marlys Davenport; and one brother, Merton Harson.
© Wright County Monitor 2005

Harold Keppers

June 30, 2005

Harold Keppers, 83, of Eagle Grove, died on Friday, June 24, 2005, at the Wright Medical Center, Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Monday, June 27, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Eagle Grove. Father Beckman officiated at the 10:30 a.m. service. Burial was in the Calvary Cemetery, Eagle Grove.

Harold Keppers, was born on April 15, 1922. He graduated from the Eagle Grove High School in 1939. In 1946, he married LaVonne Hood of Fort Dodge.

He loved farming, golfing, and spending time at their cabin at Lake Cornelia. He farmed many years near Eagle Grove and Woolstock Township. Harold and LaVonne moved from the farm to their home in Eagle Grove in 1980.

Harold and LaVonne were co-owners of LaVonne's Retail Store from 1976 to 1986 and co-owners of the House of William Dress Shop from 1981 until its closing in 1999.

Harold served on many committees in the community and Sacred Heart Church. He and his wife, LaVonne, served on the University of Northern Iowa Parents Association Board, while their daughters attended college in Cedar Falls. He was a life time member of the 3rd and 4th degree in the Knights of Columbus.

He is survived by his wife, LaVonne; seven daughters and their husbands, Linda Toomer and husband, Jerry of Indianapolis, Indiana, Marilynn Clark of Edina, Minnesota, Patricia Wadle and husband, Clark of Eagle Grove, Jonetta Harrington and husband, David of Cedar Falls, Lori Gascho and husband, Craig of Badger, Karla Swanson and husband, Daniel of Fort Dodge and Barbara Dencklau and husband, Roger K. of Eden Prairie, Minnesota; 15 grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; three sisters, Leona Ford, Bernice Woodburn and Lillian Brejda; a sister-in-law, Dolores Thomas; a brother-in-law, Msrg. Mervin Hood; and many nieces and nephews.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents, Henry P. and Catherine Degen Keppers; a daughter, Maria; one grandson, Michael Toomer; a brother, Roger Keppers and wife, Eleanor; a sister, Helen Keppers; brothers-in-law, Jess Ford, Robert Woodburn, Andrew Brejda and Lloyd Thomas.
© Wright County Monitor 2005

Margaret M. Anderson

June 30, 2005

Margaret M. Anderson, 85, passed away on Sunday, June 26, 2005, at her home in Clarion.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 30, at the St. John's Catholic Church in Clarion. Fr. David Beckman will officiate at the 10:30 a.m. service. Burial will be in the St. John's Catholic Church, Clarion.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 29, from 6-8:00 p.m., with a scripture service at 8:00 p.m., at the Ewing Dugger Helgeson Funeral Home, 602 North Main Street in Clarion and continue one hour before the service at the church on Thursday.

Margaret M. Anderson, was born on June 27, 1919 on a farm south of Corwith, the daughter of Nicholas and Charlotte (Fox) Kelch.

In 1937, Margaret was united in marriage to "J. Curtis" Anderson. The family farmed north of Holmes, until J. Curtis died in 1975.

Margaret is survived by two daughters, Shirley Rohrer and husband, Gary of Clarion and Nancy Ramsell and husband, Tom of Norwalk; six grandchildren; and one brother, John Kelch of Illinois.

She was preceded in death by her husband, J. Curtis; parents; baby girl, Elizabeth; granddaughter, Susan McGrath; and nine brothers and nine sisters.
© Wright County Monitor 2005

Dr. George N. Daniels

July 14, 2005

Former Clarion resident, Dr. George N. Daniels, noted veterinary practitioner, innovator and educator, died on Sunday, June 26, 2005, in Ames at the age of 85. 

A memorial for Dr. Daniels is planned for Saturday, August 20, at the Unitarian Fellowship in Ames. His ashes will be laid to rest next to those of his wife in Longmont, Colorado.

George N. Daniels, was born on January 13, 1920 in Alliance, Nebraska, the son of Herbert and Josephine Daniels. He attended Colorado State University where he met Florence Margaret Coon. The two were married in 1941 and moved to Clarion, where he opened a private veterinary practice. He was an active member of the community and served as a council member and Mayor.

In 1977, Dr. Daniels left private practice for academia and research. He became a Professor of Pathology at the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Iowa State University School of Veterinary Medicine, retiring as Professor Emeritus in 1990. He had a great love of animals and believed the humane treatment of both home pets and farm livestock was a legacy that needed to be passed on from each veterinary generation.

Dr. Daniels was also a maverick traveler, both in the United States and abroad. He joined his late wife, Margaret on culture tours of the former Eastern Bloc in the 1960's and early 1970's. "It was always an adventure," recalled Daniels a few years ago. "We weren't thinking about politics-just art, food, and meeting interesting people."

The definition of a renaissance man, Dr. Daniels had a unique curiosity about the world around him. He was a licensed pilot, a hog farmer who pioneered a SPF herd, a prolific writer of letters and research, and a builder who especially loved cement. He had the fine knack of taking a 30-minute task and transforming it into at least a 3-hour work of art.

After his retirement and the death of his wife, Daniels continued his travels, driving around the U.S. with his beloved companion, April a Shih Tzu dog, that often had the best seat in the van, the hotel, or the house.

Dr. Daniels is survived by one daughter, Karen; two sons, John and Dennis; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
© Wright County Monitor 2005

Pauline Catherine Hamilton

July 7, 2005

Pauline Catherine (Bierl) Hamilton, 96, died on Wednesday, June 29, 2005, at the Glencroft Care Center, Glendale, Arizona.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Tuesday, July 5, at the St. John's Catholic Church in Clarion, with Father Beckman officiating. Burial was in the St. John's Catholic Church Cemetery, Clarion.

Pauline Catherine Schroeder, was born on March 17, 1909 at Elgin, Nebraska, the daughter of Henry and Gertrude (Huelshorst) Schroeder. The family moved to the Carroll-Templeton area where she was raised and educated.

In 1928, Pauline married Albert Bierl of Templeton. To this union three sons were born. After farming in the Templeton area, in 1937 they moved to Cascade and opened a Gamble Store. In 1940, they moved to Clarion and opened the Gamble Store. Pauline worked along side her husband in the store and did all the bookkeeping.

In 1954, they were proud to adopt a daughter, Mary Anne.

They sold the Gamble Store to sons, Vernus and Duane in 1960 and bought the Hi-Hatt Bowling Alley, which they operated until they retired to Phoenix, Arizona.

Albert passed away on May 21, 1972. On October 13, 1973, Pauline married Fred Hamilton. Fred passed away on January 13, 2004.

Pauline is survived by a son, Donald Bierl and wife, Darlene of Clarion; daughter-in-law, Mary Ellen Bierl of Sun Lakes, Arizona; son-in-law, Dave Steinkuehler of Dows City, Iowa; 14 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and one sister, Marie (Schroeder) Schon of Springfield, Missouri.

Pauline was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Albert Bierl and Fred Hamilton; sons, Vernus and Duane Bierl; daughter-in-law, Lynn Ann Bierl; daughter, Mary Anne Steinkuehler; five sisters, Julie Woerdhoff, Francis Wolterman, Margaret Chitwood, Florence Morgan and Loraine Schleisman.
© Wright County Monitor 2005

Edwin Murry Dow

July 7, 2005

Edwin Murry Dow, 84, of Dows, died on Wednesday, June 29, 2005.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, July 2 at the Dows Methodist Church. Pastor Tony Hershey officiated at the 2:00 p.m. service. Burial was in the Fairview Cemetery, Dows.

Edwin Murry Dow, was born on December 3, 1920 in Xenia, Illinois, the son of Murry and Vida (Bangs) Dow. In 1946, Edwin moved to Dows.

On June 3, 1949, Edwin was united in marriage to Athene Aiken in Lohrville. They were the parents of two sons. Edwin farmed for 35 years. During this time Edwin enjoyed working with dairy cows. He retired from farming in 1984.

The family enjoyed traveling and camping together. Edwin was a member of the Methodist Church and the American Legion in Dows. He also helped organize the Meals on Wheels program in Dows and delivered meals for many years.

Edwin is survived by his wife of 55 years, Athene of Dows; a son, Roger Dow and wife, Patricia of Milan, Ohio; four grandchildren; one great-grandchild; two brothers, Earl Dow of Lake in the Hills, Illinois and Russell Dow of Iowa Falls; and one sister, Dorothy Skalla of Park City, Illinois.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Bruce Dow in 1978; two brothers; and one sister.
© Wright County Monitor 2005